At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health & safety initiatives and drive cultural change across a global events business.
- Company: GES, a leading provider in the exhibitions industry focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, international travel, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety culture in a dynamic and exciting environment.
- Qualifications: NEBOSH certifications and strong understanding of health & safety legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
At GES, safety is more than compliance; it’s a commitment. We are looking for an experienced and influential Head of Health & Safety to lead transformational change across our fast-paced events and exhibitions business. Reporting directly to the Head of Planning, you will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping and embedding a proactive safety culture across multiple locations, venues, and international projects. This is an exceptional opportunity for a confident Health & Safety professional who thrives in dynamic environments, enjoys building strong relationships, and is passionate about driving behavioural and cultural change at every level of the organisation.
Who we are: GES is a global full-service provider for the exhibitions industry. We deliver extraordinary event experiences through partnership-driven productions. Our vision is to grow with our customers and create a truly sustainable future for events, introducing innovative technology that opens opportunities for stakeholders to thrive. We want to ensure that the Events Industry continues to thrive in partnership with our people and planet.
The Opportunity: As Head of Health & Safety, you will lead the implementation, development, and continuous improvement of all health and safety systems, processes, and standards across the business. You will influence senior stakeholders, advise leadership teams on emerging legislation and industry trends, and ensure operational excellence across all UK and European activities. You will be highly visible across the organisation, supporting projects, conducting audits, leading investigations, delivering training, and championing best practice to help achieve strategic business goals.
You will be responsible for:
- Leadership & Strategy
- Lead and embed a positive health & safety culture across the business
- Drive behavioural change initiatives focused on prevention and continuous improvement
- Advise senior leadership on regulatory changes, trends, and risk management strategies
- Deliver bi-monthly executive reports to the Senior Vice President
- Represent the business at external forums and industry events
- Compliance & Governance
- Conduct planned and unannounced audits across events, divisions, and locations
- Produce audit reports, action plans, and monitor remedial actions through to completion
- Maintain and improve ISO 45001 compliance standards
- Manage external audit non-conformances and corrective actions
- Oversee fire risk assessment programmes and ensure all statutory reviews are completed
- Ensure all health & safety policies and documentation remain current and compliant
- Incident Management
- Lead accident and incident investigations
- Liaise with insurance partners regarding investigations and outcomes
- Report serious incidents to senior management promptly and effectively
- Training & Development
- Design and deliver internal training programmes including new starter inductions, fire warden training, and accident investigation training
- Support managers with external training recommendations
- Coach leaders and managers to promote safe working practices
- Operational Support
- Provide expert health & safety guidance for new premises, event venues, client requirements, and facilities management
- Support operational teams across the UK and overseas
- Travel throughout the UK and internationally when required
What We are Looking For:
- Essential Qualifications
- NEBOSH General Certificate
- NEBOSH Fire Certificate (or equivalent)
- Strong understanding of UK & European Health & Safety legislation
- Desirable Qualifications
- Relevant vocational qualification
- GCSE Maths & English (or equivalent)
- Essential Experience & Skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced operational environment
- Experience within the exhibitions and events industry
- Strong initiative and ability to work independently
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Proven experience influencing leaders and driving cultural change
- Confident conducting audits, investigations, and compliance reviews
Why Join Us?
- Competitive salary based on experience and expertise
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Opportunity to shape safety strategy across an international business
- Diverse and exciting work environment within the events industry
- Career development in a highly visible leadership role
- International travel opportunities
Our Commitment: At GES, we are committed to creating a workplace where safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do.
Equal Opportunities: In compliance with our commitment to diversity and inclusivity, we actively encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other characteristic protected by law. We firmly believe in equal opportunities for all and strive to create a workplace where every individual can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives and talents. Discrimination of any form will not be tolerated in our recruitment process, and we are dedicated to fostering an environment that values diversity and promotes fairness and equity for all applicants.
If you’re ready to make a lasting impact and lead health & safety excellence across a global events business, we’d love to hear from you.
Head of Health & Safety in Birmingham employer: GES UK & Europe
GES is an exceptional employer that prioritises safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the dynamic events industry. As the Head of Health & Safety, you will have the opportunity to shape safety strategies across international projects while enjoying a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and career development in a highly visible leadership role. With a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, GES fosters a supportive work culture where every individual can thrive and contribute their unique talents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Health & Safety in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events and connect with professionals in the health and safety field. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching GES and its safety culture. Understand their values and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of creating a proactive safety environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've driven behavioural change and improved safety standards in previous roles. We want to see your passion for health and safety!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at GES.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Health & Safety in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in health and safety, especially in dynamic environments like events. We want to see how your skills align with our commitment to a proactive safety culture.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Health & Safety, you'll be leading transformational change. Use your application to demonstrate past experiences where you've influenced stakeholders or driven cultural change. We love seeing examples of your impact!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use bullet points for key achievements and avoid jargon. We appreciate clarity, and it helps us quickly see how you fit into our vision for safety excellence.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape safety strategy across our international business.
How to prepare for a job interview at GES UK & Europe
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on UK and European Health & Safety legislation before the interview. Being able to discuss recent changes or trends will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also proactive about staying informed.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led health & safety initiatives in the past. Think about specific situations where you influenced change or improved safety culture, as this role is all about leadership and strategy.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific incidents or audits. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making skills, as this will demonstrate your ability to manage real-world challenges effectively.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be working with various stakeholders, it's crucial to convey your ability to communicate complex safety concepts clearly. Prepare to discuss how you've engaged with different teams and built relationships to promote a safety-first culture.
